In a non-league contest, Big Rapids travelled over to Coopersville to battle with the Broncos. Big Rapids entered with a perfect 7-0 record, while Coopersville has shown strengths and weaknesses in their 3-4 start. Maybe it’s the strength of schedule in the RCA, or the continued development of quarterback Champ Kelly, but somehow someway, Coopersville was able to pull off a stunning victory on Friday. They spoiled Big Rapids’ attempt at their first unbeaten regular season since 1982 with a 38-28 win.
Early in this game, Coopersville provided a quick offensive spark. Champ Kelly connected with Brooks Hadden on their first scoring drive, a quick 3-yard toss. After forcing a three-and-out, the Broncos struck again. Kelly and Hadden paired up a second time, this go-around saw an explosive 70-yard touchdown strike. With four minutes left in the opening frame, it was quickly 14-0 Coopersville.
Big Rapids would respond, with a speedy touchdown march of their own. A penalty and option run set the Cardinals up for a 10-yard touchdown carry from Jack Bollman. After one quarter of play, it was 14-7 Coopersville.
The Cardinals kept their momentum when they blocked a Broncos punt, and then drove down to the Coopersville five yard line. Facing a fourth-and-one, Cole Haist kept the football, but he was stonewalled. The Coopersville defense held serve, preserving the lead. On third and eleven, with the ball at their own four yard line, Kelly and Hadden provided yet another highlight reel play. The pass across the middle led to a 96-yard sprint past all eleven oncoming Big Rapids tacklers, and Coopersville flipped the momentum with their 21-7 lead.
On the responding drive, Big Rapids would score. Cole Haist found Owen Craven for a big pass across the middle, and moments later, his two-yard carry brought the Cardinals back within seven. With just eighteen seconds left in the half, Haist and Craven connected for a 7-yard touchdown toss, evening the score at 21 as the teams went to the locker rooms.
After fielding the opening kickoff, Coopersville embarked on a 9-play, 72-yard drive to secure the lead. Kelly and Hadden were again the dynamic duo, connecting on their fourth touchdown pass, this time a 34-yard strike. After forcing a punt, the Broncos added three more points to their lead with a 31-yard field goal by Sam Kelly.
Trailing 31-21 early in the fourth quarter, Big Rapids put together a 10-play scoring drive. Jack Bollman returned to the end zone with a 3-yard carry, bringing the Cardinals back within three points. Both teams would then exchange a pair of punts, before Coopersville put together the touchdown drive to ice it. Using the legs of tailback Leland Noel, Coopersville gave him four carries of their eight plays on the scoring march. The fourth carry saw him break free, reeling off a 57-yard sprint to the end zone.
Big Rapids would return to Coopersville territory, but their fourth down pass was intercepted, securing a stunning win for the Broncos.
Champ Kelly was 10/21 passing for 240 yards and four touchdowns. Seven of his ten completions went to Brooks Hadden, as the All-State receiver finished with 213 yards and four scores.
Coopersville (4-4) takes a major step toward securing their spot in the playoffs for the sixth straight year. They can clinch it without any doubt with a win over Cedar Springs next week, although the math this week will likely leave them feeling confident regardless. Big Rapids meanwhile, slides to 7-1 on the year. They will look to secure their third straight 8-1 regular season in their finale against Alma.
